It's an extended version of previous chapter.....
As the evening settled in, the warm light from the kitchen bathed the room in a golden hue, creating a cozy atmosphere in the home. Jungkook was busy at the stove, chopping vegetables and stirring the contents of a simmering pot. The air was filled with the savory aroma of a meal he was preparing for his husband, Taehyung. Byeol, ever the eager helper, stood beside him, her little hands carefully placing some herbs into a bowl. The sound of their light-hearted chatter and the rhythm of the kitchen filled the space with a sense of warmth.
Jungkook glanced down at his growing belly, feeling a familiar flutter within him. His heart skipped a beat, a soft yelp escaping his lips as the baby kicked from inside. He stood still for a moment, eyes wide with surprise, and then a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Oh... The baby kicked," he said softly, his voice a mixture of joy and wonder. He placed a hand on his stomach, feeling the life growing within him, and his smile widened, a soft glow in his eyes as he shared the moment with the quiet kitchen.
The maids, who had been bustling about their tasks, paused at the sound of Jungkook’s exclamation, exchanging knowing smiles. It was a beautiful, quiet moment of tenderness that filled the room.
But from the counter, there was an unexpected voice. "Baby kicked mumma? Isn't it disrespectful!? Mumma don't born it!" Byeol’s voice rang out, full of an innocent yet earnest tone, her brows furrowed in concern. She was standing there, hands gripping the edge of the counter as she gazed at Jungkook with a mix of confusion and worry. Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, the kitchen grew quiet.
Jungkook’s smile faltered for an instant, his eyes widening as he looked at his daughter. The tone in her voice, though innocent, struck him in a way he didn’t expect. His heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean by that, Byeol?" he asked softly, though there was a firmness in his voice. "Don't say such things! Do you even know what you're saying?" His words were sharp, his brows furrowed in concern.
Byeol, who had been so sure in her statement, froze. Her little hands clenched into fists, and her eyes suddenly welled with tears. She looked up at her mumma, her lip trembling, clearly confused and hurt. "B... but baby hurt mumma," she whispered, her voice small and fragile, filled with an innocent fear that she couldn't quite understand. The emotion in her words pulled at Jungkook’s heart, and he felt a pang of guilt, realizing the misunderstanding she was experiencing.
Jungkook’s expression softened, the sharpness in his voice fading away. He walked over to Byeol, kneeling in front of her so that they were eye level. He reached out, gently lifting her chin so she would meet his gaze. "No, sweetheart," he said, his voice now tender, calm, and reassuring. "The baby isn't hurting me. The baby’s just growing and kicking, just like how you move when you're playing or excited." His hand rested on her small shoulder as he looked at her with warmth, hoping to ease her confusion.
He could see the concern still clouding her eyes, so he continued, "The baby is a part of our family, and it’s just letting mumma know that it’s strong and healthy. There's nothing to be afraid of, okay?" Jungkook smiled, gently wiping away the tears that had begun to form in the corners of Byeol’s eyes.
Byeol’s gaze softened, but she was still a little uncertain. "But... will the baby hurt you more?" she asked, her voice small, the worry still lingering.
Jungkook chuckled softly, brushing his hand through her hair. "No, sweetheart, the baby will never hurt me. It’s a good little one, just like you were when you were in mumma’s belly. Babies are sweet and full of love. And this one, well, it’s just growing up strong and healthy, getting ready to meet you." He grinned at her, his heart swelling with affection.
